MTSU students have a golden opportunity to learn more about how to maximize the MT Engage e-portfolio process by attending a March 21 workshop on campus.

Entitled “The Portfolio Process,” the free workshop begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, in Room 160 of the College of Education Building. Light refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m.

The presentation will be given by Dr. Melissa Peet, director of integrative learning and knowledge management at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

Dr. Melissa Peet

Dr. Mary Hoffschwelle

Peet, who has worked with a variety of higher education, nonprofit and business institutions, has conducted research that focuses on understanding the types of knowledge and learning methods that support students in becoming effective leaders, entrepreneurs and change agents.

MT Engage, the university’s latest Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to improve student learning, encourages students to not only think in a more integrative way about their academics but to reflect on their experiences inside and outside of the classroom from the time they set foot on campus.

The motto of MT Engage is “engage academically, learn exponentially, showcase yourself.” A key aspect of the initiative is an e-Portfolio created by students throughout their academic careers that will serve as an important tool for students in marketing themselves toward a career or graduate degree.

“We are very excited to bring Dr. Peet to campus because her work at the University of Michigan was one of the models for MT Engage,” said Dr. Mary Hoffschwelle, faculty fellow director of MT Engage and a history professor. “Students who come to her presentation will acquire new tools for meaningful learning that they can apply in their classes and toward their professional development.”

Peet’s presentation will show students how they can: distinguish between different types of knowledge and learning and identify how these affect day-to-day life; ask questions to tap their own and others’ hidden sources of strength, passion and purpose; and document their purpose, strengths and learning in ways to showcase their abilities and increase employability.

The presentation is being sponsored by the Distinguished Lecture Fund, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, College of Education, Office of Student Success, and MT Engage.

The QEP is a requirement by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or SACSCOC, the regional accreditation body for higher education institutions in the South.

For more information about MT Engage, visit mtsu.edu/mtengage, email mtengage@mtsu.edu or call 615-904-8281.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)